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News Archive - Erika Johnson

Staff Members Honored for Care and Commitment at Employee of the Year Awards

May 28, 2015

Angel Huerta is the first person parents and children see in the morning, greeting each family by name and a big smile. As head of food services at the UC San Diego Early Childhood Education Center, he is responsible for preparing and distributing three meals a day to more than 200 children, taking special care to monitor any food allergies. He is known as “Mr. Angel” by the children, who range in age from 3 months to 6 years, and helps enrich their understanding of healthy food.

Serving Up Support for the Hungry

May 14, 2015

“Just announced call to dinner.” This key phrase jumpstarts commotion in the kitchen, everyone picking up the pace as though on fast forward. “Let’s get to work,” says Vaughn Vargus, executive chef at UC San Diego to his culinary team. The cold spring pea gazpacho is carefully ladled into 20 neatly aligned bowls, then the curly-q crème fraiche is added, and lastly, a fresh herb salad is placed perfectly in the center. After snapping a quick photo of the finished product, the first course is whisked away to the awaiting guests.

Diverse Undergraduates Discover Pathway to Ph.D. through McNair Program

May 7, 2015

The youngest of a Salvadorian family of seven, Franklin Mejia’s goal is to pursue a doctorate in educational psychology, which is why he joined the UC San Diego McNair Program. The program provides low-income, first-generation undergraduate students and students from groups underrepresented in graduate education with effective preparation for doctoral study. “I am truly blessed to be a part of the McNair Program,” said Mejia, a UC San Diego senior. “I believe I will gain the necessary skills to excel in my undergraduate research and prepare me for my Ph.D.”

Sun God Festival Draws Thousands for Weekend of Music Performances and Carnival Rides

May 7, 2015

UC San Diego’s 33rd annual Sun God Festival, this year themed the “Greatest Festival on Earth,” was part musical rendezvous and part lively carnival. The student-curated daylong music festival drew 15,000 attendees from across campus to RIMAC field on Sunday evening for performances by national touring acts, amusement rides and an opportunity to unwind with friends.

UC San Diego Programs Help to Attract and Retain Diverse Student Body

April 30, 2015

While he was developing UC San Diego’s first strategic plan in 2013, Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla held open forums with campus and community members where they discussed ways to increase campus diversity. A predominant response was the need to attract more first generation and historically underrepresented students. Attendees also discussed ways to improve UC San Diego’s academic excellence and student life.

$1 Million Gift to Establish Endowment for UC San Diego’s Stuart Collection

April 30, 2015

They are carefully melded to the earth, absorbed into woodlands and sewn into the fabric of existing structures. The sculptures that make up the internationally renowned Stuart Collection would not exist if they were not at UC San Diego. Each artist was invited to imagine their works on campus, choosing a location that uniquely resonated with them. Launched by the vision and philanthropy of James Stuart DeSilva more than three decades ago, a new $1 million gift by Mary Looker will establish an endowment to help foster the growth of the public art collection for years to come.

KFMB’s INNOVATE 8 Initiative Shines a Light on UC San Diego STEM Outreach Efforts

March 12, 2015

It’s a sunny afternoon on Coronado Beach and 7th graders from Albert Einstein Academy are taking in some rays…that is, viewing a solar eclipse through specialized gear. The students were taking part in hands-on physics experiments on the beach to engage them in STEM learning—science, technology, education and mathematics. Led by Dianna Cowern, outreach coordinator for the UC San Diego Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences, the physics workshop was filmed by a CBS News 8 crew for an INNOVATE 8 feature, a collaborative initiative to encourage exploration and inspire innovation in STEM learning.

20th Annual Diversity Awards Honor Commitment to Outreach, Inclusion and Community Building

March 5, 2015

Twice a week during lunch, a group of UC San Diego undergraduate and graduate students lead English language workshops with Spanish-speaking maintenance and janitorial staff at the Raza Resource Centro. More than tutors and as close as family, UC San Diego Student Worker Collective volunteer members take the time not only to instruct but also directly connect on a personal level with each staff member, building a network of access and a community of support.

UC San Diego Unveils New Black Legacy Mural

February 19, 2015

From Harriet Tubman to Nelson Mandela and Angela Davis, UC San Diego’s newest public artwork portrays more than two dozen historical figures and national leaders, as well as several UC San Diego alumni and professors. Unveiled at the Price Center on Feb. 11, the Black Legacy Mural was created by San Diego artist Andrea Rushing to honor the contributions of black leaders throughout history and promote a sense of belonging among current and future students.

Triton Food Pantry Opens at UC San Diego

February 12, 2015

Some students may choose to skip a meal occasionally to save money. But when it becomes a necessity, not an option, students at UC San Diego can stop by the Triton Food Pantry to get a free box of cereal, or package of pasta—whatever they need to continue to be successful students. A new service for all undergraduate and graduate students at UC San Diego, the Triton Food Pantry was launched by Associated Students Feb. 5 to provide discreet relief for students.
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